In every community, there are stories that speak to the power of belonging—neighbors lending a hand, friends showing up, and people working side by side to build something better for everyone.  

That spirit of connection and collective strength has always been at the heart of our work. 

For more than six decades, we’ve supported people with disabilities across Maryland—meeting them where they are and walking alongside them every step of the way. What began in 1961 as a grassroots movement led by families has grown into one of Maryland’s most dynamic, person-centered organizations. 

Now, we’re excited to share the next chapter in our story: We are Fello. 

As of May 21, 2025, Fello has separated from The Arc Maryland and the national Arc network. While our name has changed, our work has not.  

Fello is About Community 

As we move forward, our purpose remains clear: to champion inclusion, opportunity, and choice for people with disabilities. This next step brings new possibilities, and we’re excited to continue building strong, supportive communities across Maryland. 

Fello is About Purpose 

At Fello, we believe in the power of individuality and collective strength. We’ve always met people where they are—at home, at work, and in their communities—and helped them get where they want to go. That isn’t changing.  

This is not a new beginning; it’s a bold next step. Fello is the natural evolution of our rapid growth—one that gives us greater flexibility to innovate, reach more people, and respond more quickly to the needs of our communities. 

As Fello we’ll be going even deeper into the work that matters: removing barriers, championing choice, and creating inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to live the life they choose. 

Fello is About Belonging 

The name Fello is a strong reflection of who we are and what we do as fellow neighbors, fellow citizens, and fellow allies working together toward a shared vision.  

Our identity now better reflects the relationships we build, the values we live, and the future we are creating together. At Fello, we believe that equity and inclusion should be the standard, not the exception.  

That services should be personal, not prescriptive. And that communities should be shaped by the people who live in them. 

Fello is About Impact 

We support more than 4,000 people with disabilities across Maryland—meeting them where they are and walking alongside them every step of the way. Our work spans four key areas: 

• Services 
  Everything we do starts with the person. There is no checklist or standard plan, just real conversations about what matters most to the people we support. From there, we build services that fit their lives, reflect their goals, and grow with them over time. Whether it’s support at home, at work, or in the community, our approach is flexible, responsive, and rooted in belonging. 

• Self-Directed Services 
  As Maryland’s largest provider of self-directed services, we support over 3,000 participant employers and their more than 8,000 employees. With Self-Directed Services, the person hires the employees that best fit their lives, on their terms and schedule. Fello takes care of the behind-the-scenes details like payroll and paperwork so they can focus on what matters most: living life their way. 

• Behavioral Health 
  Mental health is a vital part of community inclusion. Our licensed clinicians start by building relationships, recognizing how past experiences shape present behaviors, emotions, and interactions. We believe that behavioral support and mental health services must be integrated, trauma-informed, and person-centered.  

• Communities 
  As Fello Communities, we develop inclusive, affordable, and accessible housing where people can choose how and where they live. The communities we shape are vibrant, reflecting the lives of the people who live in them. Housing isn’t just a place to live—it’s the foundation for a life of belonging. 

Fello is About People 

Fello was founded by families who believed their children deserved the same equal rights and opportunities as everyone else, and that belief still drives everything we do.  

Today, we employ more than 650 team members, manage nearly 100 housing units, and continue to find innovative ways to support people throughout Maryland. 

Our impact isn’t just in numbers—it’s in possibilities created.  

We don’t just respond to needs—we anticipate them. We listen, adapt, and stay grounded in community every step of the way. 

Together, We Belong 

Fello is more than a name. It’s a reflection of who we are: fellow neighbors, fellow advocates, fellow allies—united in a vision for a more inclusive world. 

We believe in building communities where no one is left out or left behind. Where systems expand possibilities instead of limiting them. Where support is built on trust, and belonging is the starting point. 

So, while our name has changed, our promise has not.  

We are still here. Still leading. Still building. 

We are Fello. And we have communities to create. 

The Arc’s Family Fund provides critical financial support in the form of small grants to local families with children who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This year, the Family Fund granted a record-breaking $113,600 in funding to 96 families—our largest distribution to date.  

What is The Family Fund?  

The Family Fund is a grant program established by The Arc in 2017, designed to provide access to financial assistance and essential resources to families navigating the complexities of raising children with IDD. Many of the effective resources, therapies, and services make an incredible difference in the quality of life for children with IDD, but they are not covered by insurance and are out of reach financially for the families who need access to them the most. 

Grants from the Family Fund cover a range of resources that improve quality of life, including respite care, assistive technology, medical equipment, therapeutic services, and inclusive recreational activities and camps.   

The Family Fund is made possible through generous donations, grants, and community partnerships. By easing the financial burden on families, the Family Fund ensures that children with disabilities can be a part of their communities with the support they need and deserve.  

The Fund’s Impact in 2025  

Since its founding, the Family Fund has awarded $382,000 in grants to hundreds of children with IDD, including funding specifically for children with autism through a partnership with The Bowen Foundation for Autism. Each year, the Family Fund expands its reach and serves more families with more funding, reflecting both the growing needs within our communities and the generosity of those who support this vital program.  

This year, the Family Fund awarded 62 fully funded grants and 34 partially funded grants, ensuring that children with disabilities have the resources they need to grow, learn, and thrive. These grants provide access to essential communication tools, specialized therapies, and inclusive recreational experiences, allowing children to develop crucial skills, build confidence, and participate in activities like summer camp alongside their peers.  

“Each application is carefully reviewed by a committee consisting of employees from across The Arc’s enterprise. We consider the details of each application and make award decisions based on the life-changing impact we anticipate the grant funding would have on the child and their family,” said Sara Pease, Assistant Director of Children, Youth, & Their Families. “Our goal is to ensure that every dollar awarded directly enhances a child’s ability to communicate, grow, and participate fully in their community. Whether it’s funding for therapy, assistive technology, or camp experiences, these grants open doors that might otherwise remain closed.”  

Top requests this year included specialized therapies and IDD-focused summer camps, highlighting the ongoing demand for both structured developmental support and inclusive recreational opportunities.  “The impact of these funds goes beyond financial assistance—it provides opportunity and inclusion for so many families,” said Caroline Slobodzian, Director of Development. ” These grants bridge critical gaps in care and services, offering children with disabilities enriching experiences to support their growth and development. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to the $113,600 raised and made this possible.”   

Support the Family Fund Through Our 50/50 Raffle  

While funds for the 2025 grant cycle have been distributed, the need for support doesn’t end there. The Arc continues to raise money for the fund year-round, as the demand for these life-changing resources is ongoing and ever-present.   

In conjunction with our annual golf tournament, “Tee It Up for The Arc,” we hold a 50/50 raffle benefiting the Family Fund. You can support the Family Fund by participating in The Arc’s 50/50 raffle!  With your entry, you not only get a chance to win a cash prize, but you also help provide life-changing resources for families in your community. All funds raised from the raffle go directly to the Family Fund. 

We are proud to share that Ross Benincasa, Senior Vice President of Community Development, and Brandy Stephens, Vice President of People & Culture, have been named 2025 New Leaders Honorees by Leadership Anne Arundel (LAA). This honor recognizes professionals who have recently stepped into new leadership roles and demonstrate outstanding leadership, vision, and commitment to the Anne Arundel County community. 

As part of this recognition, Ross and Brandy will be honored at the New Leaders Breakfast Celebration on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at Carrol’s Creek Café in Annapolis. 

“Ross and Brandy are exceptional leaders whose work supports our teams and communities to evolve and thrive,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc. “Through their bold leadership, dedication to our mission, and expertise in their fields, they create profound impacts in hundreds of lives across Anne Arundel County.” 

Ross leads strategic community development projects that advance inclusive housing and development across the region. Since joining The Arc’s enterprise in 2024, Ross has played a key role in the rapid growth of the organization by identifying development opportunities, securing property acquisitions, and fostering strong community partnerships.  

Brandy is a dynamic leader who fosters a culture of appreciation and connection across The Arc’s enterprise. Since joining in 2023, Brandy has launched key initiatives like the Direct Support Professional Career Ladder and consistently works to enhance the employee experience. Her leadership is grounded in supporting organizational development, championing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and empowering employees to lead with authenticity. 

Ross and Brandy join leaders from every sector who are actively shaping the future of Anne Arundel County through innovative programs, strategic development, and collaborative partnerships. 

About Leadership Anne Arundel 

Since 1993, Leadership Anne Arundel (LAA) has served as the nexus of leadership in Anne Arundel County as a professional development and networking program for the county’s most impactful leaders. LAA facilitates opportunities for diverse leaders from for-profit, nonprofit, governmental, and community organizations to come together and gain the education, resources, and networks necessary to become the strategic, forward-thinking leaders their communities need. Learn more about LAA at www.leadershipaa.org.

The Arc is pleased to announce that Cody Skacan has joined the enterprise as the Vice President of Strategy. In this role, Cody will lead the implementation of The Arc’s strategic plan and growth initiatives, ensuring alignment with the enterprise’s mission and long-term vision. He joins The Arc at a key moment as it continues to expand its impact and services throughout the region.

Cody brings nearly a decade of leadership experience in strategy, program development, and organizational growth. He joins The Arc from Elevance Inc., where he held key leadership roles and spearheaded large-scale initiatives in mergers and acquisitions, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership. Cody’s expertise in executing complex programs while fostering collaboration and innovation will help him to drive The Arc’s strategic objectives forward.

“We are excited to welcome Cody to The Arc and look forward to the expertise and leadership he brings,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc. “His strategic mindset, ability to build strong partnerships, and deep commitment to fostering meaningful change will be important as The Arc continues to grow to meet the needs of the people and communities around us.”

As Vice President of Strategy, Cody will work closely with leadership to align enterprise priorities, drive expansion efforts, and facilitate high-level initiatives that enhance The Arc’s reach and impact. He will play a critical role in fostering collaboration across departments to ensure forward momentum in advancing inclusion, equity, and opportunity for people with disabilities and the community.

Cody holds a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management from Western Governors University and a Bachelor of Science in Management and Marketing from Salisbury University.